China's World Diplomacy: Chinese FM holds annual reception for foreign diplomats

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02:43

On Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry hosted a New Year reception for some 400 diplomats and distinguished guests. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed sincere gratitude and says peaceful development is the fundamental direction of China's diplomacy. CGTN's Liu Yang reports.

It's one of the important gatherings for diplomats ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year. In a speech, Foreign Minister Wang promised a renewed commitment to safeguarding international order underpinned by multilateralism.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "This year will be a critical year for bringing about a substantive breakthrough on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. We will work with the rest of the international community to support the DPRK in keeping its goal of denuclearization and encourage the US to demonstrate its readiness to move in the same direction."

Wang says China hopes the second DPRK-US summit will bring positive and productive results. He also looks forward to more successful developments in Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for Iran's nuclear agenda. International guests at Thursday's event echo Wang's sentiments.

H.E. MARTIN CHARLES DOMINICA AMBASSADOR TO CHINA "Actually this year in March, we celebrate our 15th anniversary of bilateral relations between Dominica and the People's Republic of China. So we intend to further and deepen that relation, because we've been very good friends for a long time."

In 2019, China will hold the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and strengthen cooperation framework between China and ASEAN countries, as well as Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and other regions.

ARCHIL KALANDIA AMBASSADOR OF GEORGIA "The Belt and road initiative is a global initiative. Georgia is pretty much involved in this project. We just have a very active cooperation with Chinese partners towards this global initiative and in this regard, we are working on concrete projects."

H.E. MR. AKRAM ZEYNALLI AMBASSADOR OF REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN TO CHINA "It's very important to have bilateral relations with China, and we would like to deepen and widen our relations with China in all spheres."

Wang says China will continue to uphold the one-China principle, while safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. He also assured guests that China will reject any external intervention or provocation on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, or any maritime affairs. Liu Yang, CGTN, Beijing.